Monday, November 29, 2010

Wow, the last couple weeks we've had several Blanchard Park YMCA Running Club folks participating in races before the first official club event (OUC Half Marathon & 5K). They're really not all named Forrest so let's give them all a shout-out, shall we?

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Saturday was a beautiful day for a bike ride, but Denise P. and Tracy were going for no ordinary bike ride. They were riding 100 miles for 100 toys!

Denise came up with the idea upon hearing the story of her friend's 10 year old son, Tyler. At age 5 he had been diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. He beat the odds and is a healthy little boy today but gave back by bringing a toy to his pal Joey who was still at Arnold Palmer Hospital. The next year in 2006, he brought 11 toys for all the oncology patients. It has grown annually and in 2009 Tyler had over 1,800 toys, enough for all the children at Arnold Palmer. Denise wanted to help him meet that goal again and also help him have enough toys to also make a difference at St. Jude's hospital in Memphis, TN, where some of the youngest cancer heroes are battling for their lives each day. Tracy thought it was a great idea and joined in too so they would do the ride together.

Being new to riding centuries (100 mile bike rides), they chose to ride back and forth along Innovation Way. This way they could return to their cars parked at Avalon YMCA and take breaks, refuel and replenish fluids as needed. This also allowed friends and family members to come out to support them, which they did. BPY Tri Club teammate Carmen accompanied them for some miles in the morning. Coach Jacklynn provided them with a nice lunch and later Denise's hubby came out to ride too with their toddler in tow. Teammates Shirley & Bike Geek Dave joined in around mile 70 and Carmen even came back for their last lap.

Here are some photos from the ride:

Well, 100 miles was not quite enough for Denise & Tracy. Over lunch someone had suggested they go 112 miles, the distance of the bike leg of an ironman triathlon. And that was all it took.

Denise's bike computer at the end of the ride.

Congratulations to Denise P. & Tracy on their 112 mile bike ride!

PS - Denise & Tracy are still short of their 100 toys goal. If you are able to help, please click here for more info on how to do so.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

No workout last Thursday evening because ~70(!) teammates and family members were gathered at Maria Bonita restaurant to celebrate the end of a successful tri season and Shirley's completion of her 50 states marathon quest. Luckily the weather was perfect so we could be seated in the outdoor section of the restaurant and have it all to ourselves.

As our food was being prepared Coach Jacklynn led us through some warm-up giveaways. The first round of prizes were raffled off to the Triathletes of the Month who were present. The second round of prizes to raffled off to all in attendance. Then some surprise gifts were presented to both Shirley and Coach J. Who were both caught off guard but delighted to receive them!

After the main course, it was time for dessert. YUM! Then all that was left to take home were some great memories with friends and some bookmarks on the tables with a special message (click on image below to enlarge):

In my world, the water is cold, the wind is hard, and the road never ends.

In my world, there are no losers, only competitors still on their way, and spectators waiting to be inspired.

In my world, victory is not weighed in gold, but in determination and courage.

In my world, there are no boundries, no limits, there is no end. Every day is the last day of my life, and the first.

In my world, the word "can't" does not exist, and nothing is impossible.

by Oliver Blanchard

Thank you, everyone, for a great tri season. We hope you will continue to train with us through the winter as part of the running club!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

The second annual Blanchard Park Y Kids Biathlon (swim-run) held last weekend on Halloween day had a record turnout!

About 50 children showed up to partake in the event. Depending on their age, the kids swam 25 yds, 50 yds or 100 yds and then ran one or two laps around a paved route near the pool (each lap approximately 0.25 miles). Amazing to see how fast some of them were. Best of all was seeing all those smiles!

Here are some photos from the event:

Thanks to Tracy & Natalie for taking photos and to all the Blanchard Park Tri Club members who volunteered.

* Please bring your bike and trainer to spin class if you have one as there are only 26 spin bikes in our facility.

Both Crews:
Monthly field trips on weekends to do long rides, brick (bike and run) workouts and open water swims as a group.

Looking to improve your overall health and performance? Want to swim, bike or run with others in East Orlando? If so, this club is for you! Triathletes come in all shapes and sizes and we cater to individuals of any fitness level - from beginners to advanced. Most of our members are relatively inexperienced in at least one discipline when they start out. This club is here to help motivate and coach you to achieve your fitness goals. Come join us - It's FREE!!! (You do need to be a YMCA member.)

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To get on our email list for the latest updates on practices & what to bring, or to ask questions, send an email to stroz0045@hotmail.com. For more info about the Blanchard Park YMCA, click here

Where do I begin? Natalie was the girl who looked at us and pointed saying we were all crazy for wanting to swim, bike, and run. She thought it was just too much. Now look at her....She's a TRIATHLETE herself! I love this. Natalie, you have a story for the people who think they can't do this. You've done it and you do it well. I appreciate how much you push yourself to do your best. You surprise yourself and I see you having more and more confidence in your abilities at each practice and in each race. Thank you for making me proud to say 'I coach her.' I look foward to your seasons coming up as I get to witness you achieve the unthinkable and do the impossible. You are a hero to all of us.
Coach Jacklynn